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On August 15, 2021, the Prime Minister held the second ministerial meeting on the heavy rains in August at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Following the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
 “An active weather front has caused record heavy rains over wide areas across the country, as the northern Kyushu region has seen more than 1,000 millimeters of rainfall since August 11. It has also resulted in multiple overflows of rivers, landslides, and road collapses. As of now, we have been informed of one death, six other deaths whose association with the disaster is under investigation, three missing people, one unaccounted-for person, and one seriously injured person. I extend my profound condolences for those who lost their lives and my heartfelt sympathy to all those who have been affected by the disaster.
 
Police, fire departments, the Japan Coast Guard, Self-Defense Forces, and other personnel are currently working hard in their rescue and relief activities. I ask each minister to continue the policy of prioritizing human life above all else, cooperate closely with local municipalities and related organizations, put every effort into these activities while staying alert to secondary disasters, and provide assistance with a sense of speed.
 
Very heavy rains may continue to fall over wide areas across Japan. In addition, the ground has become loose in many areas due to the heavy rains thus far, and we will continue to face conditions in which a large-scale disaster could occur anywhere, at any time. Therefore, we need to remain highly vigilant even in areas where the rain has subsided.
 
I ask the public to stay away from dangerous spots such as rivers and waterways and take early actions that will protect your life, such as evacuating without hesitation if you feel even slightly that you are in danger. As evacuation during nighttime is fairly dangerous, people are encouraged to evacuate to safe places before it becomes dark. In the past disasters, calls for evacuation by family members and acquaintances have saved the lives of their loved ones in some cases. Hence, people are requested to actively make such calls. The risk of heavy rains remains even if the rain lets up temporarily. Therefore, I urge all citizens to stay alert, such as by paying close attention to evacuation advisories and weather information and continuing evacuation. The Government, on its part, will continue to work as one in making all-out efforts in its response to protect the lives and safety of the people.”